MAXXINE

F–57

1coolz

M

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT

“MAXX”

2004 Mazda 6

“Moms "6"”

Head to Head

About “MAXX”

I suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, so it was nearly impossible for me to scrape the ice and frost from the windshield of the minivan I used to own. My husband suggested that we look for a smaller car, since our kids were grown and gone. I said that we needed room for CoCo (our Chocolate Labrador), so Jim (my husband, AKA corvairjim here on Motoropia) suggested a few cars that were smaller than a minivan, but still had sufficient room for a big dog. The MAXX was tops on the list, but we looked at a few others, like the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix. That was OK, but Jim didn't fit! The "Crossover" SUV's seemed too big and thirsty. We test-drove the MAXX, and were sold on it right away. We got the LT with all the trimmings: XM Satellite stereo with a 6 disc CD changer in the dash, remote start (No more windshield scraping for me - HOORAY!), and heated leather seats. I've always wanted a car with a sunroof, so we got that too, in addition to the fixed moonroof over the back seat that all MAXX's have.

We used to take Jim's parents with us to see the local Minor League baseball games on Saturday nights (The four of us have Saturday season tickets to the Reading, PA Phillies). The ride and the seats are so comfortable that the folks would fall asleep on the drive home just about every time! There is plenty of room in the back seat for his dad, who is still over 6 feet tall at 80. They have recently moved about 40 miles from us, so they're on their own to get to the games now!

On a trip to South Carolina with our daughter, Becky, she drove the car and commented that it almost seemed like the car was driving itself.

About “Moms "6"”

No about text available for “Moms "6"”

Specs for “MAXX”

She's a mid-size hatchback sedan, with a 3.5 liter V-6 and a 4-speed automatic transmission. I don't know how fast it is 0-60 or in the 1/4 mile, but I do know it is plenty quick enough for me! Even though the EPA says she should get about 28 mpg on the highway, we regularly see over 30. The best was 32.7 mpg which I had seen on a trip to Florence, SC New Year's weekend 2006, when my daughter and I shared the driving.